Feeling Fully Alive – Your Biggest Risk in Life Is You Take No Risks

The coffee tastes better. The sun seemed warmer on this chilly January morning. People seemed nicer.  Wonder if it was me?

Today at my eye doctor appointment (my bgillioneth, actually my 31st) Dr. Bennett my retina surgeon exclaimed, “You have a beautiful eye! You are done, and you don’t have to come back!” With tears in my eyes I thanked him for changing my life with his skilled surgeon hands, smart brain and humble personality. I love humble doctors!

Since October 2011, after my cataract surgery I have struggled with cloudy vision. I had to blink away the “clouds” to see anything. It was like wearing glasses with lotion smeared over the lenses.  I was unable to read labels in the grocery store or Macy’s. I was unable to read the newspaper. Even cooking was a challenge and took longer than normal. Driving at night was scary! I could barely paint my toenails. Life was dull.  I began waiting to live again. I struggled and did not share this secret with many. Who would hire me?

Many months ago I was given the option of having a Yag Laser or Vitrectomy for my cloudy vision. I told Danielle, who googled both and she said, “Mom the vitrectomy looks horrific you can’t do it.” And so, I immediately eliminated the vitrectomy as I could not stand the thought of a doctor sucking the vitreous fluid out of my eye and putting in fake fluid; that coupled with the huge risk of a retina detachment. So I tried everything else; a medical intuitive, acupuncture, various nutrition supplements,  taking pesticides out of my diet, changing my diet, homeopathic eye drops, homoeopath remedies, chiropractic treatments and the Yag Laser. Nothing worked. I kept on telling myself I will be happy when this eye thing is over but it was not getting over.

Gary went with me to see Dr. Bennett to explore the pros and cons of the surgery. I was apprehensive, quiet and could not decide. I looked to Gary for advice. He looked at me and said, “Chere the best things in life are worth taking a risk on.” silently thought, “He’s right I I took the surgery risk and had surgery on the cloudiest and am  back to living a happy and satisfying life again.   And, I am not alone.

Surprise Abundance!

Gary and I were sitting in the waiting room at The Eye Care Center at Fairview Southdale and a woman dressed in scrubs came into the waiting room, almost cheering, “The Borks are here, the Borks are here!” Who was this woman? It was our friend, Deb Shea and she was going to be my nurse. She immediately put me at ease. How lucky was I!

Confidence

Studies show that people who enjoy taking risks may be more content and satisfied with their lives. The studies also show that risk takers are likely to be male, young and tall. All these characteristics seem to tie into a person’s confidence. The more confident you are the more you could risk at the black jack table or skydiving.

Every day stuff

Risks don’t have to involve big adventure like skydiving or like the time I rafted the Grand Canyon. The first day I waited to get off the raft (I was freezing) and was shocked our evening accommodations were ten feet of sand to park our tent. The grade four rapids were especially scary as someone fell out of a raft that week and there were helicopters searching for them. Scary? Yes!  It can be about normal every day experiences. Zachary, my nephew, only likes cheese on his pizza. It would be a big risk for Zachary to try pepperoni or even riskier, mushrooms. Zachary says, “What if I don’t’ like it?” I say, “What if you do?”

The biggest risk in life you can take is no risks. The worse that can take place is you may enjoy the risk.

Steve Jobs looked into the mirror every morning and asked himself: “If today were the last day of my life would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer was “No” for too many days in a row he knew he needed to change something.

The more risks I take, the more beauty I see in the world. Maybe Steve Jobs knew that life is shorter than we think. What risk are you willing to take? We would love to hear more on our blog.

Read more…Here are three risks everyone needs.

3 thoughts on “Feeling Fully Alive – Your Biggest Risk in Life Is You Take No Risks”

  1. Chere. I’m so glad to hear that your eye problems have been solved, and you took the risk for it to happen. After I had my first cataract surgery done, it was such fun to see how the repaired eye saw colors totally differently and brighter. I had no idea how badly I was seeing with the cloud over my eyes. Then when the second one was done three weeks later, I could see better and life was brighter. Thanks for the great message and taking the risk. Nancy

    1. LIke Gary said Nancy..the best things in life are often the things that took the most risk! Now I am scheduling an appointment with wonderful Dr. Bennett for my second eye!
      Life is bright isn’t it! Congratulations on living out loud Nancy!

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